ID help please - Foulshaw Moss UK (1 Viewer)

[MichaelC99]

So just getting around to sorting through my photos from a holiday 2 weeks ago and come across an image of a little egret but theres something flying behind it and I cant quite figure out what it is. photo is very hazy but have dehazed and tried other things to clear it to no avail. edited and original photo attatched.

Any help is appreciated thank you. unidentified bird is in the top left corner of uncropped photos.

 

[Stephen Dunstan]

I don't think you could safely put a name on it. If it was closer to the egret it might be possible to judge the size better.

That said, this is Birdforum and you might get several different species suggested...

 

[MichaelC99]

I don't think you could safely put a name on it. If it was closer to the egret it might be possible to judge the size better.

That said, this is Birdforum and you might get several different species suggested...

Yeah I thought that might be the case, I'm happy for it to be left unidentified just thought I would give people the challenge. There was Kestrels, Marsh Harrier, Osprey and Buzzard in the area along with a Hobby spotted although wings dont look right for those and they were further right where the Egret is heading. I put the AI apps to the test and they threw out Short-Eared Owl (wings to me look likely but im doubtful) and they said harrier, that was 3 apps and neither was consistent while constantly saying both.

 

[nartreb]

The basic shape, plus hints of black-and-white-banded tail, maybe some reddish on the chest, is consistent with an accipeter - e.g. Sparrowhawk. I wouldn't rule out a kestrel. It does not seem to have the wing shape of an osprey and I don't think it's a buzzard or marsh harrier either -- but it's quite hard to see.

 

[Butty]

I'm happy for it to be left unidentified

Excellent 👍🏼

 

[Derbyfella]

The basic shape, plus hints of black-and-white-banded tail, maybe some reddish on the chest, is consistent with an accipeter - e.g. Sparrowhawk. I wouldn't rule out a kestrel. It does not seem to have the wing shape of an osprey and I don't think it's a buzzard or marsh harrier either -- but it's quite hard to see.

It could just as easily be a wood pigeon……this one best left as is for me.

 

[MichaelC99]

Thanks anyway people Think we will just leave it as the unknown, wish I had noticed it while taking the photo and maybe got a clearer shot.

 

[pianoman]

If I had to come up with one, I would say Skylark. The shape is rather distinctive.

However that's just a guess and, as said above, really it is unidentifiable

 

[MichaelC99]

If I had to come up with one, I would say Skylark. The shape is rather distinctive.

However that's just a guess and, as said above, really it is unidentifiable

I had thought that but I think its a bit large for a skylark, to me its atleast 50-100m behind the egret as it was taken at 600mm

 

[stevethehydra]

Skylark was my first thought for what it's worth.